Suviana and Brasimone Lakes Regional Park

The Suviana and Brasimone Lakes Park, established in 1995, is located in the central sector of the upper Bolognese Apennines, in the municipalities of Camugnano and Castel di Casio. The park is characterized by three large artificial reservoirs, Suviana Lake, Brasimone Lake and Santa Maria Lake, built for hydroelectric purposes in the early 20th century. These reservoirs are fed by the Brasimone and Limentra di Treppio streams.

The area is covered with mixed forests of oak, beech and coniferous reforestations, which cover the slopes and sandstones of the main reliefs in the western face of the ridge. Decreased human presence in recent decades has encouraged an increase in wildlife, particularly in deer. Indeed, the symbol of the park is the deer: around September and October, during the mating season, dedicated evenings and guided hikes make it possible to hear the exciting vocal duels between males.

The park is home to two very picturesque villages: Bargi and Chiapporato. Bargi is a medieval village with remains of a castle wall and an 18th-century church. Chiapporato is an abandoned hamlet dating back to the 17th century, nestled among centuries-old chestnut groves. Not far from the village is Palazzo Comelli, a fine example of upper-class mountain architecture, enhanced by an 18th-century sundial.

There are more than 130 kilometers of marked trails through the park, suitable for both hiking and mountain biking. Some routes include "Discovering the Deer," a trail frequented by deer, and "From Lake to Lake," which connects the Suviana Lake to the Brasimone Lake.

The two main basins also offer opportunities for water activities such as boating, windsurfing and sport fishing. The protected area is home to the Museo del Bosco Visitor Center, dedicated to the flora of mountain forests. The area is traversed by the Alta Via dei Parchi, and its sparse human habitation makes it possible to enjoy picturesque landscapes, gorges, clearings and forests, as well as facilitating the observation of wildlife such as roe deer, fallow deer and wild boar.